Ah, My Freakin Head - Good Reading

[anthony]

I have to say... my head now hurts from the book I just read breaking down the neurobiology of the brain in relation to PTSD, anxiety and depression: Stahls Illustrated Anxiety, Stress & PTSD. Only 200 pages, and every page has graphics, so an easy read, but wrapping the brain around all the common terms... haven't done that in a while. Needed a good refresh though on the latest research in one place.

The last one I read around neurobiology was "Handbook of PTSD: Science and Practice", which is about 550 pages, no pictures... I like pictures to explain things... helps I think.

Now off to read Nicolette's book, which I hadn't touched as she said she was going to read it, but hasn't gotten beyond a chapter I think... so she graciously handed it over to me for reading... "Posttraumatic stress disorder relationships".

I could easily just curl up on the couch and read all day, have a kindie nap in-between, then keep reading.

 

[becvan]

Oooh let me know what you think of the relationship book. I'm thinking it might be a good idea for Dean and I to have a copy of it.

bec

 

[Vee Lagrome]

I really like the PTSD Relationships book. My husband is working through it (extremely slowly), but I skimmed through it myself and I think it's pretty good. I like some of the exercises in the book too and I think they are actually pretty helpful. Definitely recommend it. :)

 

[anthony]

Oooh let me know what you think of the relationship book. I'm thinking it might be a good idea for Dean and I to have a copy of it.

Will do... Should be able to tell you in a day... as its only 250 pages, so I plan on knocking it out tomorrow... Stay tuned! Got dancing tonight, then planned reading all day tomorrow.

 

[Jawn]

I found the relationship book to be enlightening and helpful.

 

[becvan]

Awesome.. staying tuned! ROFL and enjoy your dancing :)

 

[anthony]

Ok... "The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Relationship" book.

After 6+ hours of reading through it, I can say I am feeling pretty worn out.

Overall Rating on my opinion: 9 out of 10

Aimed at: Supporters, spouses, etc, that are either new to a relationship with someone with PTSD, or the PTSD occurred during the relationship, ie. the trauma happened within the relationship and PTSD developed, so the relationship dynamics changed, ie. veterans is a typical one returning home. For those living with someone with uncontrolled PTSD, ie. they haven't really healed, then also an essential read as it contains valuable tools for changing the relationship dynamics.

Pro's

1. Whilst the author has a PhD, it is actually quite well written at layperson level. No tricky terms at all. I actually really enjoyed it vs. often reading difficult science based text surrounding PTSD. Really impressed with the way it is written.
2. Information is absolutely concise, well structured and walks a person through from the basics.

Con's

1. It was a little frustrating that people are constantly swapping between male and female inference. Be reading a sentence referencing him as the sufferer, next it's referencing a her, as the sufferer. Go figure. Minor issue.
2. Wasn't happy with about two or three inferences as to carer self help, ie. I think the author was really saying the spouse / supporter should put up with a little too much IMHO in a couple of places vs. taking more firmer action. That is purely my opinion against the authors perspective though.

Coming from me, I don't put myself personally behind much with PTSD, as its usually the same nonsense regurgitated, though this book brings some pretty decent methods to the table for the spouse / support role. Reading it as a sufferer and you won't obtain a great deal.

I didn't learn a thing from the first six chapters, which are walking the person from what PTSD is all the way through to the therapy types, getting them therapy, support role in therapy, etc etc... all things I am maybe a little to used to hearing / reading, as anyone who studies PTSD sufficiently. Chapter 7 forward, some interesting tools for use... realistic as well, not just some hairy fairy fantasy crap that doesn't work.

If your supporter will read it, I would buy it for them as a sufferer, as they will learn many things about PTSD that you can't express to them normally... the book does though, and pretty accurately. If you're a spouse, family, friend of someone with PTSD, absolutely give this book your attention, if no other book about the subject, this one will put you in pretty solid stead to handle, push and deal with the sufferer well, reducing conflict, family issues and more.

Dead Link Removed

 

[becvan]

Thanks Anthony. I think this is a must have for Dean.. Off to activate my credit card! (ROFL.. I was procrastinating doing that...)

 

[becvan]

Done! Super cheap right now.. only five bucks plus shipping!

 

[amethist]

I have been looking for this book in the UK, so far no luck. But I am going to met friend for coffee, tomorrow so will look in another book shop that I missed last time.

Even my favourite on-line book store has not got this one.

 

[anthony]

I have been looking for this book in the UK, so far no luck. But I am going to met friend for coffee, tomorrow so will look in another book shop that I missed last time.

Just get it from Amazon US... that is where I get mine from.

 

[Nicolette]

I got it from Amazon Amethist and it was cheap, delivery was quick and it was much easier than going hunting for it. In Australia one of the major bookstores has gone into liquidation due to sites like Amazon who offer cheaper books and great service.